What is tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin, often shortened to “tesa,” is a lab-made copy of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), a natural hormone made in the brain. It is sold as the prescription medicine Egrifta.
It tells the pituitary gland to release more of the body’s own growth hormone, instead of supplying growth hormone directly.
What is tesamorelin peptide used for?
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy, a change in where the body stores fat. It was approved in 2010.
Some clinics also prescribe it off-label for fat loss, body composition or anti-aging. Those uses aren’t approved, and the label says it isn’t a weight-loss drug.
What does the research on tesamorelin show?
In two large trials in people with HIV lipodystrophy, tesamorelin cut deep belly fat (visceral fat) by about 15% more than placebo over six months. The fat tended to return after people stopped.
It has also been studied for fatty liver disease in people with HIV. Its long-term effects on heart health haven’t been established.
Tesamorelin side effects and risks
Common side effects include injection-site redness and itching, joint pain, muscle aches, and swelling in the hands and feet. It can raise blood sugar, so people with diabetes need monitoring.
It shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or by people with pituitary problems or active cancer, and the body can make antibodies against it.
What is tesa/ipa?
Tesa/ipa means taking tesamorelin with ipamorelin, a research peptide that raises growth hormone through a different pathway. Some clinics sell the pairing for fat loss and recovery.
The combination isn’t an approved product and hasn’t been tested in clinical trials. Ipamorelin itself isn’t approved for any use.
Is tesamorelin legal?
Yes, tesamorelin is legal with a prescription in the US as Egrifta. It is banned in sport at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a growth hormone-releasing factor.